WineAlign is pleased to present an exclusive food and wine pairing at Signatures Restaurant in Ottawa on Wednesday, October 26th featuring the wines of Westcott Vineyards.

Ever thought that you might like to own your own winery? Join Westcott owners Carolyn Hurst and Grant Westcott as they return to Ottawa to share some stories of their journey from local Ottawa IT executives to Niagara winery owners and what it’s like to be ‘living the dream’. WineAlign’s Janet Dorozynski will also help guide you through the fabulous line up of wines.

At Westcott Vineyards we are passionately focused on growing the best possible Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Our family owned and operated estate vineyard is located in the Vinemount Ridge appellation of the Niagara Peninsula. Our vines are managed by design and by nature for low yields. We strive to -produce fruit balanced between maximum fruit intensity and acidity. We strive to -produce fruit balanced between maximum fruit intensity and acidity. Our vines are hand-tended and at harvest our grapes are hand-picked and sorted (twice). We practice sustainable viticulture and do not use herbicides. We pay this much attention to the vines because we believe that excellent wines are made in the vineyard. With this carefully tended fruit, we produce hand crafted premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in small lots and using old-fashioned techniques.We are crazy and intense about details…but in the end all we want to do is make wine that tastes great!

Grant spent 28 years in Ottawa with the Federal Government working in senior IT positions, then 9 years at CIBC as Executive Vice President Technology Infrastructure and then most recently returned to Ottawa as the Chief Operating Officer of the newly created Shared Services Canada. This is his third “retirement”.

Carolyn worked in various Ottawa based private sector technology companies including: SHL Systemhouse, Why Interactive and Jetform and then led Capgemini’s Government practice. She and Grant still do occasional consulting assignments in Ottawa…especially when the winery needs a new piece of equipment!

Grant and Carolyn met and were married in Ottawa 24 years ago. As they traveled the world and various wine regions they dreamed of having their own vineyard. They purchased the vineyard of their dreams in 2006 and got to work. 2012 was the first harvest and already the wines have won International Decanter Awards and National Wine Awards.

About Signatures Restaurant

Signatures Restaurant is a unique culinary experience in a lavish and luxurious setting. The combination of Le Cordon Bleu school of thought and extraordinary cuisine is sure to impress your guests in our fine dining atmosphere.

Their menus are put together with an outstanding selection of International and Seasonal Canadian ingredients inspired by elegant flavours and creative presentation. Signatures Restaurant offers world class professional service and will guarantee your visit to be a memorable one.

About Executive Chef Yannick Anton

Originally from the South of France, Chef Yannick Anton received his training at the Lycée Hôtelier de Nice.

He began his career with Chef Michel Devillers at L’Ane Rouge,a highly coveted Michelin star restaurant. It was there where he perfected his skill in the preparation of seafood, learning the most advanced culinary techniques. He continued in the region at the celebrated Hotel Martinez in Cannes.

In 1994, Chef Anton came to Montreal where he accepted a position as sous-chef of the restaurant Le Globe with Chef Martin Picard. He eventually relocated to the Ottawa area where he assisted in the opening of Le Baccara in what was then known as the Casino of Hull. In 2000 Chef Anton worked at the Westin Hotel with Executive Chef Philippe Wettel, and at Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

He has prepared State Dinners for world leaders such as Vicente Fox, former President of Mexico, George Bush, former President of the United States and Wu-Jin Tao, President of the People’s Republic of China.

Chef Anton was appointed to Executive Chef of Signatures Restaurant in November 2006.

Our winemaker events have been consistently and quickly selling out. If you are interested in attending then we advise you to purchase your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.